The Three Cities

If you look out over the Grand Harbour from Upper Barrakka Gardens you will see across the water Fort St. Angelo and  a populated area close by. This is the historic region known as The Three Cities. The cities are now called Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua but they were formerly known as Birgu, Isla and Bormla. Together these three cities contain some of the most interesting historic sites in Malta.

Fort St. Angelo

It is possible that there has been a tower of some kind on this spot since the Roman times. Certainly there was a structure here during the Arab conquest of Malta in the 11th century. It is with the arrival of the Knights in 1530 that Fort St. Angelo became an important seat of power and was chosen as the seat of the Grand Masters. During the Great Siege of 1565 the Fort withstood the ferocious attacks of the Turks.

Vittoriosa

When the Knights arrived in Malta in 1530 they made their home in Vittoriosa and stayed there until 1571 when they moved to the newly built city fortress of Valletta. There are many historical sites throughout Vittoriosa linked to the Knights and the Great Siege.

The Inquisitor’s Palace

Main Gate Street, Vittoriosa
Although changed by its many inhabitants through the years the Inquisitor’s Palace is an example of an architectural style that was common throughout Europe. As many of the other examples have disappeared this represents a chance to glimpse a vanishing style of building.  The Palace is also the Museum of Ethnography and displays the religious values long held by the Maltese.

St. Lawrence Church

The Waterfront, Vittoriosa
There has been a church on this site since the 12th century. The present church was designed by the Knights and was used by them until they moved to Valletta in 1571. On the feast of the patron saint on 10 August the church displays some of the riches used by the Knights. There is also a dramatic painting of the martyrdom of St. Lawrence.

Maritime Museum

Vittoriosa Shore
Housed in the former British Naval Bakery this impressive building used to be the hub of the restocking process for the Mediterranean Fleet which was stationed in Malta for almost two hundred years. On display you will find a large number of paintings, uniforms and much much more.

Malta at War Museum

Courve Porte, Vittoriosa
This area of Malta suffered terribly in the Second World War and this museum depicts what it was like during that time. The museum is situated in the underground tunnels that provided protection for the population from the constant bombing. There are period features to give a feel for how people survived such a time.

Vittoriosa Waterfront

Not to be outdone by the developments at Valletta, Vittoriosa has seen major work on the waterfront area. The Cottonera redevelopment has attracted a number of trendy bars and the new marina has some very smart yachts at anchor.

Senglea and Cospicua

Prior to the Great Siege in 1565 the Knights decided to provide protection for the citizens and as a result they built the walled cities of Senglea and Cospicua. Vittoriosa and Senglea survived the Great Siege but Cospicua was almost completely destroyed. As a consequence of this and the bombings of the Second World War little remains of the historical parts of these two cities but it is worth walking from Senglea to see Our Lady Of Victories Church and the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

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